Windows 11 Home requires users to connect to Microsoft’s services during the computer setup process to download critical updates and new features before they can use their freshly installed Windows operating system. If the internet is down or you want to configure the computer with a local user account, this is a problem. The steps below will allow you to set up Windows 11 offline.
Why Does Windows 11 Setup Require an Internet Connection?
According to Microsoft, you need an active internet connection to perform updates, download files, and use some features. In addition, Windows 11 Home Edition requires a Microsoft Account to complete the device setup on first use.
However, this may not be feasible due to many reasons. First, you may want to use a local user account, but connecting to the internet will force you to log in with a Microsoft account. The second potential issue is the lack of internet adapter drivers to connect to the network. Finally, the unavailability of a working internet connection is another reason you may want to bypass this restriction.
In Windows 10, bypassing this restriction was easy. You could click on the “I don’t have internet” option, create a local user account, and complete the setup. Windows 11, however, stops at the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen with the “Next” button grayed out. Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education users can click “I don’t have internet” and complete the setup with a local user account; however, Home edition users don’t have this option.
Here is the workaround to install Windows 11 Home without an active Internet connection.
Bypass Out-of-the-Box-Experience (OOBE) Internet Requirement
You can bypass the Let’s connect you to a network screen using the OOBE \BYPASSNRO command in Command Prompt.
Once in the Let’s connect you to a network screen, press Shift + F10 to launch the Command Prompt.
Enter the following command:
OOBE \BYPASSNRO
Press enter to execute the command. Upon successful execution, your system will restart and display the following screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. When you reach the ” Let’s connect you to a network ” screen, click on the ” I don’t have Internet ” option.
Next, click on Continue with limited setup.
Accept the License Agreement and proceed to create your local user account.
Make sure to add security questions. This will help you recover your local user account if you forget your password. Once done, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.